Curious About Crystals? Here’s What Rose Quartz Can Do For You

We’ve been seeing crystals legit everywhere—in jewelry, in homes, in art—and it’s had us wondering: what’s the deal?

Obviously, our magpie minds are drawn in by anything bright and sparkly, but we suspect there’s more to stones than what’s on the surface. We asked artist and crystal curator Gabriella Cetrulo to give us some insight into one of her (and our!) fave rocks—rose quartz.

Like many of my friends, my apartment has become overrun with crystals during the last few years. I have a geode-covered coffee table, a small bowl of tumbled stones next to my tub, and obelisks abound. I own a crystal to heal, cleanse, and balance nearly every aspect of my life. (As you could probably surmise, I have a fairly addictive personality. Luckily, there’s a healing crystal for that too.) They’ve become my sparkly self-care supplements.

Self Love Club by Madeline Martinez

Rose Quartz by Beth Hoeckel

To be honest, I started collecting crystals because they made nice bookends. But as soon as I learned the shiny objects on my bookshelf are also thought to promote stability (for books and emotions respectively), I was intrigued. I started researching what other stones do, how to use them, and where to find more.

One of my favorites is rose quartz, the stone of love and healing. It’s a relatively common crystal that can be found in many parts of the world, including mines in the US and Brazil – but it has a uniquely romantic history. According to ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Eros (aka Cupid) gave mankind the physical manifestation of love in the form of rose quartz, hoping to inspire love and passion. In another myth, Aphrodite (the goddess of love) colored the stone with her own blood when she attempted to save her wounded lover, Adonis. The ancient Egyptians believed it could prevent aging and would apply its powdered form to their skin to ward off aging. And rose quartz has also been worn as a love and fertility talisman since the Middle Ages.

Let All Be Done With Love by AnointedHome

Primarily, associated with the heart chakra and the solar plexus, this stone is the perfect companion for anyone struggling with their self-esteem or a wounded heart. Its pastel pink energy is said to enhance empathy, forgiveness, inner peace, and acceptance – making it a great post-break up bandaid. It also dispels worry and restores trust, opening you up to new love (or simply loving your own company).

If you’re in a relationship, the stone strengthens emotional bonds by enhancing mutual compassion and promoting intimacy. It also enhances harmony and balance between partners.

Berta by Brunna Mancuso

Crystals by Vicky Webb

You can keep this stone near your bed, under your pillow, or wear it over your heart to feel its effects. It’s really up to you!

Though I wouldn’t replace my therapist or self-care routine with a pretty rock and I’m not fully convinced their power isn’t (at least partly) a byproduct of placebo, I do happen to believe in the power of energy – that objects, particularly the natural kind, carry their own vibrations. So I choose to remain open to both their ornamental and mystical qualities. In the words of Roald Dahl, “…watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”